Miami-Dade prosecutors have declined to pursue a felony strangulation charge against rapper Rick Ross, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegation that he restricted a woman's breathing during an argument at his Miami Beach home.
The decision, filed Thursday, October 29, 2026, leaves Ross, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts II, facing one misdemeanor domestic violence battery charge. The 50-year-old rapper has pleaded not guilty and continues to deny the allegations.
Prosecutors also declined to pursue a separate misdemeanor battery allegation included in the original arrest charges. Their decision narrows the prosecution to a single count stemming from an alleged confrontation at Ross's Star Island residence on August 28.
Ross's attorney, Brad Horenstein, welcomed the decision and maintained that his client had been falsely accused. Following an October 30 court appearance, Horenstein questioned the physical evidence supporting the strangulation allegation, arguing that photographs of the woman's neck showed no signs of strangulation or asphyxiation.
The allegations arose after a woman who identified herself to police as Ross's live-in girlfriend reported an argument over whether she had lied to him. According to investigators, she said Ross slapped her, twisted the collar of her hoodie tightly enough to restrict her breathing and pushed her against a wall.
The woman provided photographs of her injuries that investigators said contained time stamps consistent with her account. Miami Beach police also obtained surveillance footage of the alleged confrontation.
Police spokesman Christopher Bess previously said detectives had gathered sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for Ross's arrest. The rapper surrendered to authorities in early October and was initially booked on felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery allegations.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office subsequently reviewed the evidence and declined to prosecute those original charges, instead filing one misdemeanor domestic violence battery count.
Under Florida law, a first-degree misdemeanor generally carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Any sentence would depend on the applicable charge, circumstances, and court findings.
Ross appeared in court on October 30 and entered a not-guilty plea to the remaining misdemeanor domestic violence battery charge. The prosecution will proceed on that count following the decision to drop the more serious allegations.
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